Making cupcakes can be murder.Especially when someone has poisoned them. Diana knows she’s being framed for a crime she didn’t commit, but who is out to make her look guilty, and why?Speaking of secret enemies… Fergus has done something terrible. Now part of a new crime-fighting duo, Diana finds herself immersed in a deep, dark conspiracy theory. At the heart of it is a mystery that has baffled … theory. At the heart of it is a mystery that has baffled investigators for decades. The whole thing is more ridiculous than anything Fergus has ever previously believed.
The worst part is… she’s starting to think it might all be true.
Now, more than ever, she needs to find a logical answer… or face accepting something that defies scientific explanation.
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Peonies and Poison #4 – Wow, the best book of the series and Fergus plays a big role. I loved the way the book started with the new florist in town and I enjoyed the conspiracy. Quite a bit of intrigue to keep the reader immersed in the story. Ms. Loren writes a bit above the regular cozy mold and this book is above her usual. Good suspense, good mystery, good descriptions; all that make this a must read. I contacted the author to review her books. 5*
Diana Flowers series:
The Florist and the Funeral #0 – The prequel to the Diana Flowers series. A quickly read, fun story about a chemist, with a high IQ, interested in growing and selling flowers to meet the growing demand. Along the way there’s a death, which she solves since she is smarter than the old Lt. There’s quite a bit going on in this novella and the “killer” is a big surprise and not what you expect. Another series that may be the match for Madi’s zoo series. I contacted the author to review her books and received this one. 5*
Gardenias and a Grave Mistake #1 – My favorite series by this author is the Madi Amos Zoo Mysteries, but this is an interesting series so far. The prequel should be read first to get the foundation, The Florist and the Funeral. I like both Fergus and Diana; they’re perfectly matched to each other, tin-foil hat optional. The other characters worked in their roles. The story took a little bit to get rolling but it did get interesting and had some good twists. Diggory is a character all of his own. I was disappointed that Di let the nematodes get to her; there’s an easy, nonpoisonous fix to get rid of those critters, but there’s always a change that works out better in the end as I found with Madi’s series. Included with the story is a free offering of the prequel and a list of edible flowers. I contacted the author to review her book. 4.5*
Delphiniums and Deception #2 – This story had me so immersed in it that I just let it carry me along. The bunker had overtures of several sources, including the Saw series, so I saw several ways this could have worked out. Several people in a isolated location with a murderer and the deceased. But Ms. Loren made this theme her own and unique, and it was hard to put the book down. I figured out three possible murderers, but I missed. I liked the way the Floral Arrangement retreat was arranged; and certainly enjoyed the punishment feature of the classes. There are many interesting storylines for the characters. Fergus really shined brightly in this story, from his heartwarming gift to his ability to surprise. 4*
Poinsettias and The Perfect Crime #3 – A good addition to the series, with plenty of new characters and twists. There are plenty of storylines weaving their contributions throughout this story, all well thought out and moving at a good pace. There is still the funny and interesting relationship between Diana and Fergus, adding to the mix of townsfolk and new characters. The new characters are developed just enough pull their share and are believable – you believe they’re up to something. Fergus pulls his load and comes up smelling like a rose again. There’s a bit of originality with the crime and a very good surprise with one of the special characters. There’s traces of Egypt and India meshed in behind the scenes that lend a different flavor to this series. I contacted the author to review her books. 5*
Diana Flowers series end.
Peonies and Poison, book four in the Diana Flowers mystery series is another winner. Competition in the form of another florist has moved into town and the newcomer seems intent on destroying Diana’s business. Sadly, someone dies and Diana stands accused of murder, her friend Fergus returns. He claims they have been hired to research a possible conspiracy. Both storylines blend together to make a captivating book that is hard to put down until the very end.
Diana Flowers is back and she has competition. A new florist is in town and she doesn’t want to play friendly. Diana has been successfully expanding her business, but she’s worried about the competition. She’s brought flower-covered cupcakes to the town festival. But now the new vicar is dead and Diana is the chief suspect.
In the middle of this mess Fergus shows back up in town with a new conspiracy theory regarding Crickley Marsh.
This is a fast, fun read while Diana solves the murder of the vicar and the mystery of Crickley Marsh. Love the Ruby Loren series.
Better and Better. Very ecstatic and happy that I had the chance to read this book. I need to laugh and this book did it for me. Thank you. I am beginning to think that I am emotionally involved with the characters.
There are two major things going on in this book. The first is the murder that Diana is accused of having committed. The second, is the conspiracy that good old Fergus brings. Each has its own little things going on with it. Diana has a business rival and Fergus is back and ha a mysterious client to pay them to look in to a possible conspiracy. Some how with all this, still need to find the actual murderer. i found my self confused and when all was revealed n, i admit i never saw it coming. I got completely fooled. (Admit it, you like to figure them out too.)
Even though I did say that I was involved with the characters, I do want to say that this book can be read by itself. there are a few references to the previous books. You will be able to follow this one just fine. I admit that I need those references at times to remember them since I read them a bit ago.
I love learning new words, especially British ones. Now if I can remember them to use them. Yeah!
This s a wonderful addition and can be read in one sitting or in a day if you choose. I waited a bit long for this one and just wanted to get it read. You will enjoy it too.
This is my honest and freely given review. I did receive an ARC book.
Diana lives in a quaint, sleepy village in the heart of England. The type of place where everyone knows everyone else’s business and arent ashamed to gossip about it. You’d think that nothing ever happens there and that is what Diana liked about it. Until someone is murdered and shes prime suspect number one. That and she has to contend with a new business trying to put her out of hers. With the help of her friend Fergus who just happens to love a conspiracy theory they try to find out the truth & clear her name. Murder, Mystery, Fun & a few laughs all in one book. A great book